Originally written for The Worshipful Company of Parish Clerks, chartered by Charles I in 1865 and 1868. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of the Company and all parish clerks. The hymn is sung at the Company’s annual patronal festival.

Last verse adapted from The English Hymnal and reproduced by kind permission of Oxford University Press.

From Hymns in Honour of Certain Saints: under whose Blessed Patronage some Fraternal Bodies exist, words composed by Paul Sutherland, published by Paul Sutherland at “Risegate,” The Crescent, Hadley Common, Barnet, Herts. EN5 5QQ. There is no objection to free use being made of this hymn, provided that the permission of Oxford University Press is acknowledged. Reproduced on the web by permission.